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Welcome to my application for the lovely Ether! I go by several names, but here on neopets I'm known as Sai. c: Enough about me, plenty of time for that later! xD I'd like to introduce to you my character for Ether~
(there's also two hidden sidebars, see if you can find them~ :D)
if given the chance.
Welcome
The open air of the north tower was crisp and clean, the scent of the previous day's rainfall still lingering in the light breeze. Sunlight trickled in between soft puffy clouds, and bleary eyes watched the dance of light on the polished floors with sleepy amusement. There were no songs of birds that filled the morning air; the only sounds heard were the distant rumbling of airships as they began their morning departures, and the soft rumble of dragon wings as the royal patrol circled the city walls.
With a quiet yawn, Ether stirred from her nest of blankets and warmth, not quite wanting to embrace the coolness of the morning. Brushing back the mess of chestnut hair from her eyes, she sat up, pulling the blankets tightly around her small frame to preserve her warmth, even for a few fleeting seconds. Moments passed and she managed to stir up the courage to face the chilly morning air, pushing the fabric away and quickly moving across the cold tile to her wardrobe across the small room.
The soft plush of the rug in front of her wooden closet was welcoming to her cold feet. Ether changed quickly, hastily pulling down the blinds before she wriggled into the soft yellow fabric of her dress. Her morning routine was rushed through as quickly as possible. The girl pulled on her boots and adjusted her uniform as best she could. A quick check in the mirror and a few more pulls and tugs later, Ether smiled to herself in approval.
The blinds went back up with a whoosh as she left her room, the large cloak on her shoulders swirling behind her as she walked down the long corridors to the main hall. Glinting in the soft morning light, the emblem of the Royal Family of Nevari shone brightly.
Rana, High Chantress. Her Majesty is in the east drawing room, she requested your presence in the east gardens after the meeting adjourns.
Ether nodded, taking a stack of papers from her attendant. Rana to you as well, Liaru. Are these the papers I requested from the Council of Arcadia?, she asked, flipping through the first pages as they made their way down the stairs to the lower floors.
They are, Liaru replied, inclining his head as the guards opened the doors to the inner court for them, and the personal file you requested is in there as well. I'll have your breakfast delivered to the garden, then?
Ether smiled and nodded happily. Please do that, Liaru. Will you join me when you return then? she questioned, taking a seat on dais overlooking the eastern district of the city. I won't take no for an answer.
The young man rolled his eyes, and shrugged. Those servants are going to have a fit, but I can arrange that for you. Do some of that paperwork while I'm gone!, he called over his shoulder as he scurried off to the kitchens.
Ether groaned and resisted the urge to slam her head into the table. Well, at least she would see the Empress soon, her dear friend had been so busy with meetings lately she hardly had anytime to speak with her. Pale blue eyes glanced over at the menacing tower of papers next to her, her lips drawn into a small frown.
Well it wasn't going to do itself, she reasoned, and took the first folder off the top.
Ether d'Avacci
Occupancy - Adviser to the Empress Lucia
Known Skills - Advanced proficiency with incantations and chants
Known background - Nothing before her service in the Royal Palace is known. She was a small hatching when she first arrived in the courts, a mere 6 years old, with nothing but a name and a letter of passage. She was placed in the Acadamy of Magic in Veritas by her Empress Lucia, and quickly rose in ranks, graduating top of her class in a mere three years, at the age of 9. After that, she was given the title of High Chantress and reports to no one but the Empress herself. Requested information of her time before the age of 6 seems to be missing from the central database in Arcadia; no missing child reports seem to match up.
Age - 13(?), actual age unknown
Height - 4'9
Species - Draik
Sub-species - L'raite [Leh-ray-teh]
Abilities - is often seen floating about the palace grounds and the city; this is believed to be some holy ability, some scholars think the levitation is an inherit power of the l'raite people, but little information is given on this group
Included are artistic renditions of d'Avvaci's draik form, which have only been seen outside palace grounds on a few occasions -
Neopet species - Draik
Color - Snow
Owner - Sai
The Intro
Ether's frown seemed to be permanently frozen in place when Liaru returned, accompanied by a handful of the palace staff, hands full with trays and silverware. He noticed her rigid posture immediately as he approached, and dismissed the staff as soon as the trays were set on the table before them. The small brunette waited until the room was cleared before she turned an accusing glance toward the man across the table.Are you going to explain what this is?, she demanded, waving the papers in her hand like a weapon. The man grimaced, running a hand through wavy silver strands. He cautiously took a bite of toast, before nodding to her own plate. He waited for the irritated girl to take a bite before he spoke.
That was the file you requested to see, the one that was intercepted last week from a messenger dragon on the way out of the country. I've consulted everyone I can think of, and the only answer I could find was that someone within this city has contacts to the south that has some sort of interest in you. He shrugged, shoving the rest of the toast in his mouth.
Ether wrinkled her nose in distaste. The south...that made her nervous. If this was going to who she thought it might be...but as far as she could tell, whoever was gathering information hadn't found out very much. At least she was safe..for now.
Alright, Liaru, I want you to burn this file. I'll meet with the Empress, but cancel my appointments for the day. I've got some work to do outside today. She waited for his nod of understanding before finishing her breakfast. Ether stared silently at the tea cup in her hands, pondering how to bring up the subject with the Empress without causing unneeded duress.
Ether was about to take another sip of her lukewarm tea when she heard the arrival of her Empress. Hastily she set the cup down, the announcement of her entry ringing through the hall as the herald attempted to warn her; alas, she didn't have time to brace herself for the tumble off the chair and onto the ground as the Empress brutally tackled her from the side.
The dust cloud that rose from the ground made both girls giggle, and Ether couldn't suppress the smile that slipped onto her face as she was being hugged. It's been too long, my little chantress!
The brunette laughed through the curtain of silvery hair blocking her view, pushing at the Empress's arms so she could get off the floor. Several guards stepped forward to help as they moved to get up, but an icy glare from her Majesty sent them back to their posts.
It's a pleasure to see you, your Majesty, Ether exclaimed with a small curtsey, brushing her hair back in place as she stood.
The platinum haired girl sighed and folded her hands in front of her. It's Lucia, remember? Or have you forgotten my name in the time we've been apart?, the Empress jested, waving her hand toward the table as she took a seat.
Ether followed suite, shaking her head in disbelief. Really, Lucia, you should at least pretend you have manners, at least in front of your staff.
Lucia huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. You just like ruining my fun, huh? Well then, let's get down to business. I had to argue with the council for an hour just to come see you, instead of working on that issue with the traders in Taes. So, I called you because you haven't let me do your check-up in a while, and I can't exactly let a normal doctor take of that, no? She leaned forward on the table with her arms, folding her hands and resting her head. Ether wavered, even though ever fiber in her being hated check-ups, the kicked-puppy look that was radiating from the other side of the table was extremely difficult to ignore with each passing second. With a sigh, the chantress hung her head in defeat.
Fine, you win this round. When do you want me to meet you?, Lucia asked, finishing off what was left of her tea.
Ah, I'll be busy for a while, so let's just say tomorrow night, for now? I should be done with all my appointments by supper, so anytime after that, Lucia mused, twirling a lock of hair around her finger.
An elderly council member approached the table, giving a deep bow to the Empress. He spoke with Lucia for a few moments, before she turned to Ether with a frown. It's seems my presence is being requested elsewhere, and I'm afraid I can't keep them at bay for much longer. I'll see you tomorrow then?
As Lucia stood to leave, the brunette suddenly remembered what she had been wanting to say earlier. Ah, Your Majesty! I have something I wish to ask of you, Ether said quickly, as they walked toward the doors. She pulled out the folder she had skimmed over earlier, and handed it to Lucia with a reassuring smile. Could you take a look over this when you get a chance?
Lucia nodded and said a quick goodbye as she was ushered back into the palace, and Ether was left to her thoughts, still standing in the middle of the hallway. After several minutes of pacing between the gardens and the main hall, she headed back to her room, thoughts still racing through her head.
Verse
Although the day had already progressed to late morning, it was still pleasantly cool in Ether's chambers. She removed the cloak that had kept her warm through the morning chill, depositing it on the chair next to her dresser. Moving over to her closet, Ether slipped out of her formal dress into more casual clothing, consisting of a plain white dress with small yellow accents, and simple white sandals. For a few moments she shifted around through the boxes near the back of her closet, pulling out a pair of soft, lacy gloves. From the farthest corner she retrieved a long white cloak, which she pulled over her shoulders and clasped in the front.Ether peeked out into the corridor, and waited for guard to reach the end of the hall and round the corner. She retreated back into her room, locking the door behind her and moving to an open -blocked- Once the blind was raised, she pulled the hood of the cloak over her head and stepped out onto the sloped rooftop, careful not to disturb the loose stones.
With practiced ease, the small girl moved quickly and quietly, over unsuspecting guards and watchmen below, and occasionally ducking out of view from the rooftop patrols. When she reached the edge of the west wing, she looked down, calculating the distance to the outer wall. When she was smaller, she could use her levitation to jump from the rooftop to the outer tower, but then she was half the size she was now; it simply wasn't possible with her slightly grown build. She sighed to herself, moving down to all fours. A slight wind picked up as she chanted softly, whipping her cloak around as her form shifted. Her nose became longer, pointed, as her mouth transformed into a muzzle. Ether blinked rapidly as she adjusted to her improved vision and senses. After a few moments, Ether, now bearing the appearance of a small white dragon, poked her head over the rooftop. The guards were out of sight, so with a quick intake of breath she pushed herself off the roof and into the air.
Like a small balloon, Ether bounced through the air, riding the breeze and following the wind current toward the city. In this form she would be less recognized, which was useful for traveling. There were many dragons and other various magical beings to be found in the Imperial City of Nevari. However, it took a great deal of concentration to keep the form steady, and so Ether found herself only using it if absolutely necessary. She made her way through the paved streets of the upper class, moving through the tower buildings of the elite, to the markets in the center of the city, where the commoners gathered. As soon as a remote alleyway was to be found, she landed, hiding behind a parked airship until the area was clear. With a word she released the magic and reverted to her human form. Ether straightened the cloak and pulled the large hood over her head and eyes. Once her hair was tucked into the long hood, she pulled the small mouth cover over her nose and moved out of the alleyway.
Although the circumstances were less than pleasant, Ether hummed to herself as she walked through the markets, eying the bright variety of fruits and vegetables displayed before her. The constant murmur of voices was a nice change from the quiet halls of the palace. Laughter of children playing in the fountains and the energetic haggling of merchants rang through the air. Ether smiled, glad to be in the presence of the people once again. As she rounded a large corner to the main plaza, Ether brought a hand to her eyes to shield them from the bright sunlight streaming in through the clouds above. The sun was high in the sky now, pleasantly warm against her skin, even through layers of fabric, and the occasional breeze that ruffled her clothes was mild and refreshing.
The plaza was even more of a beehive than the markets, much to the brunette's surprise. Vendors lined the sidewalks, the shops along the streets were filled with customers, and tourists and children filled the streets. She passed through a crowd gathered around a small street performance, pausing once or twice to applaud the clowns and acrobats gathering in the town square.
Eventually she found herself on the south side of town, standing in front of an old book shop. The windows were covered in dust, and the outside of the building was due for a new coat of paint. Nonetheless, Ether has done business with the woman who owned the bookstore for a few years now. She met the woman through her studies in the Academy of Magic, and their friendship had been almost immediate. Ether fished around in the plant to the side of the pot, pulling out a small silver key, and let herself into the store. It seemed that Lettie was out of town for the moment, and due to her frequent absences due to field research, Lettie had told the young chantress where she hid the key long before.
Ether set the key on the front desk, glancing around the dusty shelves with despair. As she set her cloak on the counter, Ether chanted softly, cleaning the air of dust and grime as she moved through the mountains of books. If she found what she was looking for in this mess of faded paper and ink, it would be a miracle.
Refrain
The quiet of evening had settled around the city when Ether finally removed herself from the bookshop. As she returned the books to their dusty homes, she could hear the soft hum of engines as small floaters zoomed in the air above, as tired workers headed for home. Ether wrapped the large cloak back around her frame, watching the clouds pass lazily by as she walked toward the castle. The mini-air ships that dotted the horizon was making it impossible for her to sneak back over the gates the way she had left, her draik form would be easily spotted. The brunette sighed softly in mild frustration. It would be well into the night when she got back, unless she found some other transport.Several minutes later, Ether found herself cursing her short stature. If only she was older, and taller! Perhaps then the trip wouldn't take so long. She glanced down at her legs, still those of a child, and frowned. Although this form was indeed only 13 years of age, her draik form had matured long before. Why this one was taking so long was beyond her knowledge. Grudgingly she continued down the path, trying not to attract too much attention as she made her way to the castle border.
Although the soft twinkle of starlight in the night sky was simply breathtaking, the fact of the matter was that Ether could hardly see the street, let alone where she was stepping. The miniscule sliver of moonlight creeping through the clouds was next to useless, she decided. From her position just outside the main gates, Ether could spot the dim glow of light coming from her Majesty's room, in the center tower of the palace. A small smile of glee slipped onto her face, making its way up to her eyes as she transformed back into her smaller dragon form.
The air was crisp, but not too unpleasant as it ruffled through the draik's fur. The small white blur was quickly moving into the cloud cover above the castle, hovering slightly over the Empress's rooftop. Although she could be spotted from below near the gates, if she returned to the castle from this far up, she couldn't be seen.
As she descended to land, she immediately sensed something was off. The ground seemed dark, yet she swore the darkness was moving, slipping inside the castle. When the first terrified scream ripped through the air below, Ether rushed downward in fright, crashing into the Empress's window with a determined grimace.
Even though the small draik could see her liege across the room, the explosion of magic in her face sent Ether flying back out of the window, landing sharply on the balcony. She could hear Lucia screaming from inside the room; she could feel the sting of fresh cuts from the window as she attempted to push herself off the ground, but it was in vain. The fog around her mind would only let her focus on the swirling black figure standing in the hole where the intact window had been seconds before.
Ether tried to speak, she tried to push through the overwhelming fear that raced through her mind like wildfire, but no sound fell from her mouth, just a strangled scream. The form across the room, holding an unconscious Lucia in its hand like a rag-doll, glanced in her direction. It sneered, sharp teeth glinting in the firelight, before it lunged into the dark of the night, wings snapping open with a sickening crack as it rose into the starry sky.
Chorus
Ether wasn't sure when she stopped screaming, but it was shortly after Lucia had disappeared out of her sight and the world had gone black. It had taken a single night for her peaceful city to crash and burn, as she lay there, wounded and terrified.In the crazed delirium that covered Ether's mind like a dense fog, she was protected from the events around her, and from herself.
The girl had tried to warn the council of these strange creatures that whisked the Empress away in the middle of the night, and the council quickly imprisoned her in the castle dungeons, believing her to be mad. Even Liaru had said nothing, merely watching the events unfold with timid eyes.
When they arrived the second time, it was by the thousands. The Imperial palace swarmed with darkness that day, as the Shadows from the East invaded, utterly destroying the capital with one swift movement. The Royal Army had been utterly unprepared, and the High Council had been too busy contesting for power to head the warning signs.
Ether was dazed as she stepped out of her unguarded cell, over fresh corpses and past empty halls, pushing her way through debris and broken walls to the outside. The red glow of the sunset glaring in through the clouds cast the palace grounds into a wildfire of colors. Ether paid it no mind as she slipped through the main castle gates, out into the broken city.
In the shadows she could see them moving, glowing eyes following her movements through the streets. They paid her no heed, however, and continued to rummage through the lifeless stores and houses as they plundered the city. The markings on Ether's hands and shoulders burned as the creatures approached, only ebbing when they sniffed the air cautiously and scampered off, back to the safety of shadows.
As the sun dipped behind the mountains, Ether stood outside the wreckage of the Imperial City, staring at the road before her. Her posture was rigid as she stared down the winding path, following the trail with her eyes over the rolling valleys. It had been six months, she noted to the silence. Countless days of agony, rotting away in the dungeons beneath the castle, filled with sleepless nights. Lucia's kidnapping was still fresh in her mind, and Ether shook her head viciously, brushing the thoughts away. With a deep breath she took her first step away from the city that had always haunted her dreams.
She never did see the glinting eyes in the darkness behind her, watching her depart.
Climb
Really, Tea, hurry up. We've got a ship to steal!The voice came from an extremely annoyed woman, standing in the doorway of the room Ether had been forced to rent the night before. The storms raging outside had prevented a lot of things, and thus the fourteen year old had been extremely grumpy when she was woken that morning by her friend, Kitari. Said woman was currently preoccupied by a slightly taller woman attempting to shove an entire wardrobe into a small suitcase (which was very much impossible), but Tea was making an effort nonetheless. Kitari growled, grabbing the girl by the ear and dragging her out into the hallway. Ether rolled her eyes, following the pair down the hall, her luggage bouncing in the air behind her.
The group managed to get to the exit of the run-down hotel before Tea started fussing. Kitari pushed the lime-haired woman out the door with a grunt, and Ether settled against a nearby wall while Tea flailed around in exaggerated movements and Kitti pretended like she cared.
Tea, we can get more stuff in the next town. Kitti was right, we need to go, Ether finally spat out, after standing off to the side for a few minutes while the two argued.
Tea blushed, the fox ears perched on her head drooping slightly. Sorry, Ether. I'll stop, I promise, she said, offering an apologizing smile to Kitari. Let's get going, I know you're anxious to pick up the trail.
An hour later, Ether was on the deck of a small merchant airship, staring at the clouds as the passed by. Tea had moved down into the previous captain's quarters to chart their path, and Kitari was reclining up in the control room, making adjustments to their course every now and then.
Ether was resting comfortably against the port side railing when Kitti padded over, her light blonde hair bouncing as she stepped. She handed a roll of papers to her smaller companion, gesturing below decks.
A present from our esteemed leader. Plans for this daring rescue of yours.
The brunette opened an eye lazily and peered over. Thanks. After a few moments of silence Kitari was still there, watching the scenery fly by, so Ether spoke up. Shouldn't you be...I dunno, steering the ship?
Kitari shrugged, patting the girl on the head. It's on autopilot. We should be fine until we get to the border. Although I have been wondering, how are we going to get through the border check? I'm pretty sure they'll recognize you, even if you have been under the radar for a while.
The chantress sighed. That's why I'm going down in the cargo hold, with the rest of the animals, Ether explained with a chuckle. Kitti made a noise of understanding as she stood, brushing the dirt from her clothes. She fiddled with the gun at her side before turning around and jogging below deck to check up on the other member of their party.
Alone with nothing but her thoughts, Ether moved to the bow, letting the wind whip against her face as they raced above foreign landscapes. They were some distance from Arcadia now, Tea's hometown, but it would still take several days to reach the Eastern border. Port Leyra, where the ship had been stolen, had been a nice break in their journey, despite Ether's protests of stopping.
Ether sighed. The people of her country had accepted the Flicker rule rather quickly. For the common people, the shift in power really had no effect on their daily lives. The destruction of her city had been a blip on the timeline of history, and though it was still fresh in her mind, it had faded from the memories of the general public around her.
Aside from groups of rebels, like Tea and Kitari, the daemons from the east had gained quick support as they conquered the region, quietly bribing politicians under the table with promises of power and money. Ether highly doubted most of those promises would be kept. They were daemons, after all.
The brunette glanced eastward, to the ever dark horizon of Cibaen, the daemon homeland, and the country of the cursed. Ether curled her fingers around the pendant hanging from her neck, the Nevari crest, and her only tie to the Imperial City.
Be safe, Lucia.
Bridge
The sharp knock on the outside of the wooden cage jarred Ether from her pleasant dreams. She opened her eyes, her gaze meeting the sideways smirk of Kitari. The women unlatched the lock and let the door swing open. Ether yawned and stretched, catlike, before padding out of the dusty hole she had been shoved in for the last few hours.Kitari led the way back onto the deck, Ether floating behind her, eyes still half-shut from sleep. How long has it been? Thought we'd never get through that checkpoint, she murmured, glancing around at the dark skies.
Kitari bit her lip, thinking. I think it was like four hours. Sort of ridiculous, these guys are REALLY thorough. Well, Tea has us on the right course, so it shouldn't be long now. Are you staying like that, or changing back?
Ether hummed to herself, landing lightly on the deck. It'll be easier for me to fight if we get in a sticky situation, if I stay in this form, the small dragon explained, flicking her tail around her.
Kitari nodded, waving behind as she left for the control deck. From her position on the deck, Ether could see Tea in the soft glow of light from the lit panels, her attention fully focused on the task at hand.
When the small airship finally wheezed to a stop, connecting with the small hanger bay of the rather small prison, Ether was mildly confused. Tea stood next to her, tense, as Kitari hopped down to the ground, her gun poised. Aside from the ship and their group, the place seemed rather...empty.
Ether followed Tea down the ramp, listening to every small vibration that bounced across her sensitive ears. Were the guards this lax, or...was it a trap?
There was a sharp intake of breath as Kitari pushed open the front gates, carefully nudging it until the hall was clearly visible. They moved down the empty halls, anxiety building as the group went further into the maze of cells.
Suddenly there was a flurry of activity ahead of them, and a loud scuffle. Ether abandoned caution as she rushed forward, stirring up the air around her as she dashed to the noise. Almost blinded by a flash of light from around the corner, she skidded to a halt, her claws screeching as she slid around the corner.
Another flash of light nearly blinded her, but Ether managed to shield her eyes with her tail before it was too late. Suddenly there was no movement, and Ether removed her tail from her face, ready to attack.
When she saw who it was, her heart nearly stopped. Kitti and Tea ran up behind her as she let her dragon form dissolve, and slowly approached the girl in front of them.
Though her clothes were tattered, her hair had been cut short, and a thick grime covered most of her body, Ether could still her Empress, standing before them. As she reached out a hand to her friend, she noticed something was off.
Lucia...?
There was no response. Ether moved closer, leaning in to look at the girl's face. There was no emotion present in the slightest, and her eyes...her eyes were lifeless.
Tea moved over and placed a hand on Lucia's forehead, frowning. I'm gonna take a wild guess and say this isn't normal?
Ether tentatively took her friend by the hand and pulled, guiding her back the way they had arrived, watching the girl's movements carefully. Kitari poked the unconsious guard on the floor with her heel, before shrugging and turning to Tea.
She must have taken out the guards, but even so, this place has almost no protection. Either they didn't think anyone would come to rescue her or... the woman trailed off, glancing ahead to make sure Ether was out of earshot, maybe they weren't concerned because there wasn't anything left to save.
Tea grimaced, shaking her head. I refuse to believe that. Lucia sounds like a strong girl, to be able to lead a country like ours, I doubt she could break that easily. Have faith. Ether can bring her back, I know it, Tea nodded, resolute.
The trip back to the border was far worse than the one in. Tea plotted the quickest route back, while Kitari stood on deck, alert for anything out of the ordinary in the skies around them.
Ether sat across from her the pale girl in front of her as she cleaned the dirt and grime away. She spoke softly while she worked, reminiscing about their childhood. After each story she would glance down, only to be met with the blank stare of the shell that was once her best friend. She blinked back tears and started cutting Lucia's hair, cleaning up the sloppy job that had clearly been done shortly before.
Soft steps clipped against the steps as Tea turned around the corner, fresh clothes in hand. She set them next to Ether, giving her a small hug. You two need to get changed. Kitari and I have your passports ready, so I'll leave it to you to take care of the rest of the disguise.
Ether couldn't suppress a sigh as she picked up the clothes, quickly changing into her disguise. With a little effort on her part, Lucia was changed as well, and Ether surveyed her work. The clothes were those of commoners, and they were worn with wear. Ether brushed the hair out of her eyes as she tucked Lucia's hair into a small floppy hat. Her own hair was pulled back into a small ponytail at the base of her neck.
Now for the finishing touches.. Ether muttered. She released the binds on her magic, forming the image on their passports in her mind's eye.
Illusion!
Ether blinked as the magic settled over her eyes. She glanced at herself, then at Lucia. Although the clothes looked the same, they now looked identical to the two teenage boys that Tea had arranged to move across the border, to their 'new jobs'. Ether wrinkled her nose. Hopefully the stop at the checkpoint would be shorter, because she wasn't sure how long she could hold this incantation.
Surprisingly, they were waved through the border with ease. Passports were checked and the group left, dazed. As soon as they were well past the border, Kitari relaxed, laughing merrily. Did you see that? They must really be lax on security or something!
As Kitari laughed to herself, Tea merely smiled. She glanced down to Lucia, who had moved to the railing.
Ether stood next to her, watching her closely as Lucia seemed to be entranced by the clouds in the skies in front of them.
At first, the confused chantress couldn't understand what Lucia seemed to see in the skies, until a sliver of light pierced through the dark clouds. Lucia inhaled sharply, and Ether's eyes widened. Lucia's attention was rapt as she watched the clouds separate, breathing deeply as sunlight split the sky, warming her face with gently touches.
Ether could see the life returning to her eyes, but her excitement died quickly as Lucia collapsed onto the deck. As Ether checked her pulse, she smiled. At least there was still hope.
Coda
Time ticked by slowly as the ship soared lazily through the air. From her seat next to the former empress, Ether could see night approaching on the horizon. The sunset was beautiful, and eased away some of the nervousness that had crept back into her system the last few hours. She glanced down at Lucia, who had fallen into a deep slumber, and drew her lips into a tight line.Many theories were bouncing around in her head about their current situation, but nothing could be done until the sleeping girl woke up. With hesitance she stood, closing the door softly behind her as she walked down the hall and up the stairs to the captain's quarters. She knocked on the door, opening it when a muffled 'come in' was heard from the other side. Ether furrowed her brows in confusion at the mess covering the room. Books, piled from the floor to the ceiling, obscured her view for the most part. From behind a rather ominous tower of tomes a hint of green could be seen.
You need some help? Ether offered, picking up some of the books with one hand, and pulling up her fallen friend with the other.
Tea grinned, dusting off her clothes once she was upright. How is she? the woman questioned, taking the books from the brunette's arms and setting them onto another pile.
Ether shrugged. She's still sleeping, I won't know until she wakes up. The girl flopped down in a chair, surprisingly free of obstruction. Tea busied herself with tidying the room.
After a moment of peaceful silence, Tea set her load down and turned to face her younger companion. Now that your friend is rescued...will you still help us? I know we never really discussed it before, but.. she trailed off, waving at the air dismissively. We never asked you to stay, and we had owed you a lot for saving us before, so it's up to you really.
Ether nodded, a soft smile slipping onto her face. It depends on Lucia, really. I might still need your help after all. I have a feeling she would be upset with me if I just abandoned you guys now, though, she said with a nod, standing to follow Tea out the door and onto the deck.
Kitari could be seen leaning over the mast, watching the sunset. Tea muttered something about grabbing food for dinner and disappeared from sight. Ether, left alone with her thoughts, shuffled over to the railing. There was so much to do...while her heart was overjoyed to have her friend back, she was still heartbroken over the state of affairs in her homeland. Though the jailbreak was successful, the fact of the matter was Alisae was still in the hands of evil. She would have to see if Kitari knew of any rebel groups they could rally...
Ether?
Startled, Ether spun around, staring wordlessly at top of the stairs. Lucia stood there, eyes still hazy from sleep, holding her hands together nervously. She took another step forward.
That is you, Ether?
The brunette tried to speak but found her voice lost, choosing instead to throw herself across the small distance that separated them, latching onto the older girl, sobbing quietly onto her shoulder. Lucia hugged her tightly.
After short introductions to Ether's traveling companions, Lucia was filled in with all the events that had taken part since her capture. She listened quietly, only interrupting a few times to interject something she had heard or seen during her captivity, a frown on her face.
Tea pointed to the city of Arcadia on the map rolled out before the group. That's our destination as of now, Your Majesty. We were hoping you would accompany us as we gathered a force for rebellion, to take our country back, she explained.
Lucia wrinkled her nose in amusement. I will certainly join you in this quest! she promised, with a smile. You have to call me Lucia now though. For now, I don't have a country to rule, so informality would be appreciated.
Kitari hopped down from her position on the edge of the table. Alright, one we land, Tea can help you find some new clothes. We'll need to find you a decent disguise while we travel. I'll take Ether and see if we can get some information from the locals, sound good?
The group consented, and Ether smiled to herself as they began eating the dinner Tea had moved up to the captain's quarters. It would take time and hard work, but she had faith this oddball group could save Alisae.
Adoptables
1) Don't steal them
2) Don't take other people's customs if they aren't yours
3) Enjoy~
(No link code at the moment, would be added later)
Green
Blue
Red
Yellow
Painted
Baby
Brown
Orange
Pink
Purple
Shadow
Skunk
White
Customs
Bellatrix
Scorn
Juzari
Taember
Kazzika
The Toy Room
The Grand Gala
Sketches
Winter piece started in December
Started in October, but Sai got distracted and this is still being lined x)
Conceptual
From Others
From hikabunni
Alisae
The place that Ether calls home is Alisae, the country of paradise. The continent is mostly surrounded by water, on the eastern and southern edges. It shares the eastern border with the country Cibaen, the land of darkness.
History
Alisae was originally inhabited by mostly spirit-like creatures called the Ethereal. These creatures ranged from the size of small insects to whale-sized behemoths, scattered across the isolated and unexplored countryside.Shortly after the chaos and disaster in the southern country of Riethe, far across the sea, large movements of people swarmed to the southern shores of Alisae. The Ethereal extended help to the struggling travelers, and thus Alisae came into being.
The Ethereal, due to the resources being consumed as the country progressed and expanded, slowly disappeared from the world. The legend among the citizens is that the Ethereal did not die off, and in fact merged with society. Unusual gifts and abilities are often contributed to Ethereal influence, although no scholar has ever been able to prove this thesis.
While most of Alisae is still untouched and in pristine condition, the coastlines are over populated and mostly cities of metal and glass.
The Cities
The capital of Alisae is the Imperial City, Nevari, named after the first Emperor, J'iarren Nevari. Despite being the capital city, in size comparison it's only the size of an average city. The city is nestled in a canyon, built onto the cliff walls to extend upward. The city itself opens up into vast plains, and visibility stretches for miles.
The largest city is Arcadia, the trade hub of the entire country. Settled on the south west coast, Arcadia towers into the sky like a mountain. The city itself is a structural feat, containing three separate levels stacked onto each other. The main support for the city is a giant tree that grows in the very center, stretching several miles into the sky. Arcadia also boasts one of the largest air ship ports in the country.
Taes is the center of knowledge and learning in Alisae. The city sits on the north west coast, overlooking the sea. While the city itself is busy and thriving, the main attraction of Taes are the Islands. The small chain of islands just off the coast of Taes are home to several prodigious academies, each using a separate island for their campus and studies. The largest island (and the farthest out to sea) is home to the Academy of Magic, where scholars and alumni study the ancient Ethereal and harness the ancient magiks for everyday use. The Academy of Technology is the second largest, and the closest to the shore. The Academies of Trade centers around the technical and business aspects of trade, and also teaches airship mechanics and pilots. The Academy of Arts is on one of the smallest islands, and is home to several branches of fine arts and performance arts.
Though many cities of Alisae are ridiculously large and populated, most of the citizens live in much smaller towns and villages scattered across the country. Each town has at least one or two cargo airships to transport local goods out to small merchant ports. Any goods required outside of close resources are brought in by the whale-sized traveling merchant ships that circuit the countryside.
Transportation
The main transportation of Alisae are airships. The country's size makes most methods of travel ineffective. However, the Academy of Magic is known for the chain of teleporters, large floating crystals set up in certain locations, that can move a person from one place to another in the blink of an eye. However, these 'warp' crystals have only been successful in linking Taes with the Islands, but reports of testing on larger scales are always circulating through the general public.While merchant and cargo airships are practical for longer distances, most citizens use smaller, more compact airships, called Floats. These vehicles are especially popular in the larger cities, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Several cities host various competitions involving these vehicles, local and national competitions.
Most city patrol groups use various winged dragons to scout because of their magikal abilities, but airships equipped with weapons are sometimes used as well.
Ground travel ranges from riding an assortment of creatures trained to traverse various terrain. Vehicles are forbidden near the ground unless it's landing or inside city limits. This was a rule set by the Ethereal when the southern people first came, to not disturb the natural environment too much. This rule made expansion rise upward instead of outward, but only helped alleviate some strain on the surrounding landscapes.
The People
Most of the citizens are regular, non-magikal beings. Human-like in appearance, these are the descendants of the original people who came across the seas.The Jzi are descendants of the Ethereal, although they are thought to be the descendants of the feral people of the south. While most have a human form, there are usually oddities about their appearances. Usually the ears are those of an animal, although different combinations of tails, wings, claws, and/or ears is normal. On rare occasions Jzi still have fur in their human-state, or completely animalistic features.
The original form of the Jzi are their spirit counterparts, the Ethereal. Size and shape vary, and some Jzi have more than one spirit form. However, these forms are almost never seen, as most of the general public is wary of magikal beings.
The last group of people are the Flicker, the shadows of the east. Though they often only appear in shadowy, beast-like forms, occasionally they take a more human-like appearance. Flicker are identified by their solid black eyes, which glow blue in their natural forms.
Links
Link trades are welcome! Send a neomail to Sai (unsealed), if you'd like a trade~ c:
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